Robert H. Lange Preschool opened its doors to the community on January 4, 1967. Originally named “The La Paz Preschool”, it was the first preschool opened in Mission Viejo, alongside Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, the first church in the community. Pastor Robert H. Lange organized the new congregation and said, “Because of the desperate hours in which we live, it is the duty of every thinking Christian to ask himself one again what it means to say “yes!” to Christianity. Therefore as we grow together in Mission Viejo, let us join in giving praise and thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

The Little mission in Mission Viejo was off to a roaring start. Under Pastor Lange’s energetic leadership the church and the preschool were blessed with continued growth.

Pastor Lange died of “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, at the age of 42, on March 8, 1973. He left behind a legacy of love and a lifetime of dedication to the church and to the Lord Jesus Christ. By special decision of the Preschool board and council, the La Paz Preschool was renamed The Robert H. Lange Preschool in memory of it founding pastor.

Accreditations and Awards

NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) Accreditation is recognized across the country as the mark of quality education for young children. NAEYC Accreditation is the strongest system available to early childhood education programs, providing them with the tools and assistance they need to continuously improve their programs and meet NAEYC's stringent program standards.

RHL Preschool has had the honor of being one of the first preschools to earn this accreditation and did so with a score of 100% on three of the ten standards plus 100%+ on the remaining seven. You can view RHL’s NAEYC accreditation information at www.naeyc.org.